After our buffet breakfast, we Metro'd it to the Louvre, strolling a bit through the gardens first and then into the palatial museum. We hit the ancient foundation display, first, then toured through the sarcophagi and hieroglyphics of the ancient Egyptian wing. Then we ticked off the obligatory Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo before bailing for lunch. Next, a quick jaunt down to Notre Dame, then past the Hotel de Ville and a Metro back to the hotel. That evening, Aili and I went out to a yummy prix fixe dinner with a bottle of Chateauxneif de Pape while Grandma and Debbie watched the little guy.

On Friday, Aili had some conference prep to do so the rest of us headed up to Montmartre and the Basilica Sacre Couer. On the way back we decided the lines were short enough to hit the top of the Arc de Triumph. With 366 steps, Grandma and I braved the spiraling staircase while Deb watched Aidan. Low and behold, who do we see on top but Deb and Aidan grinning ear to ear. Apparently, around the corner there is an elevator for elderly, disabled, and… children in strollers! Grandma was just glad to know she had an easy way down! She said her heart was still beating… to which Deb replied, "Better than if it wasn’t!"

We picked up Aili after a quick lunch and visited the National Marine Museum which told a 300 year history of the French Navy. Not a top 10 tourist visit in Paris but Aidan LOVED it! Dozens of intricate model ships from the 18th and 19th centuries as well as displays, videos and models of ships (commercial and military) to this day. After completing the circuit, Aidain said, “Let’s go through again and see what we missed!”. Instead, we decided to head to the Siene for a Bauteaux Moches boat tour. The weather was ideal and the breeze was welcome as we motored under dozens of bridges past palaces and row houses, gliding by the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, and many more famouse landmarks the guide described and to which we only half listened. Another quick Metro ride (too quick for Aidan’s liking as he LOVES the subway too) and we were back getting ready for dinner.

Grandma offered to watch Aidan so Deb, Aili and I went for dinner at a quaint French Bistro recommended by the concierge. It was just around the corner in more residential area with “one waiter and one cook”. The prices were reasonable and the food authentic and scrumptious (escargot, soupe d’oingion, lamp, Moroccan chicken and a plate of charcuterie).

Saturday, check out day, but before heading north, we strolled the market of the neighborhood we had dinner in the night before. Passing stands of fresh fruits, breads, and vegetables, and shops filled with wines, pastries, coffees and meats, it was good we had a big breakfast and strong wills! We hopped into a sporting goods store to get Aidan a mini replica Brazooka – the official World Cup ball, then backed up and drove North. We had a spaghetti dinner back at Debs and watched some World Cup soccer before turning in.